Software help archive

A read-only archive of old serato.com help threads.

pitch values do not agree with the pitch values on the technics pitch mark

Product
Scratch Live
Version
-
Hardware
Ortofon | Serato S-120
Computer
-
OS
Platform
-
DaVibecat 12:49 AM - 5 November, 2008
So I have another problem: The pitch values do not agree with the pitch values on the technics pitch mark. The same problem has a forum user in the german forum.:
For example:
(ttpitch is on 0.2% ~ sslpitch(software) is on ca. 1,2%),
(ttpitch is on 1.0% ~ sslpitch(software) is on ca. 2,8%)
(ttpitch is on 3.0% ~ sslpitch(software) is on ca. 4,2%)
in relative modus

And on the one turntable, if the ttpitch is on 0%, sslpitch is on 2,4%, so on 0% the sslpitch is higher than if the ttpitch is on 0,5% for example. That is totally strange.

I don't know if the problem rests with the turntables, but if i use normal vinyls an mix with these turntables it works without any problems, i don't have the feeling that the turntables are defekt.
Serato, Forum Moderator
Nick M 1:34 AM - 5 November, 2008
Hi DaVibecat,

This is completely normal. Because your turntables are an analogue source, they will not be completely accurate. Although they tend to come out of the factory more or less spot on, over time they will lose there accuracy, some more than others. With my personal pair for example, the left deck is much further out that the right one.

The reason you are noticing this now, is because Scratch LIVE is transferring the exact speed of the turntable into a digital readout.

If you want to check this without Scratch LIVE in the picture, use the strobe scope display by the on/off switch. At zero pitch on the turntable, the largest center strobe scope light should be stationary. If it is going faster than zero, the light will seem like its travelling faster clockwise, and vice versa. There are different points for checking the pitch like this, as displayed on the turntable. - +6.4, +3.3, 0 and -3.3

If it bothers you too much, you could look at getting your turntables serviced, or perhaps try it with CDJ's, which tend to give a more accurate readout.
DaVibecat 2:15 AM - 5 November, 2008
i am german sorry i didnt understand it at all. what do you mean with "use strobe scope display" ???
But what also seems very strange to me is, that if I have the pitch on the 0 mark from the turntable, serato shows 2,4 %, if I have it on the 0,5 mark of the turntable - well higher then before - then the serato pitch is SMALLER, it shows ca 1,4%. That isn't logically?!
Anyway I have pitch problems, (notice, I can pitch very well, its only with serato), for example, i think I have pitch two tracks together so that they have the same speed, I always must push on or slow down the serato vinyl. They can't running parallel very long, only 8 beats ca no matter what accurate I pitched before.
Halder 12:00 PM - 5 November, 2008
did you buy your turntables new??

the digital readout of the pitch on serato is loads more than what it says on the pitch control of my decks,
but that's because I have "tweaked" the pitch by turning the pitch control screw inside the decks.
i have 1210mk5's and the have a digital pitch reset button, pressing that puts the speed back to 0% on the deck and 0.2% or there about on serato.

so that could be your problem... or they need servicing.
DaVibecat 4:09 PM - 5 November, 2008
no that are the turntables in club. but it feels like always, when i do mixing with normal vinyls but with serato it's not possibly there.
But as i said what also seems very strange to me is, that if I have the pitch on the 0 mark from the turntable, serato shows 2,4 %, if I have it on the 0,5 mark of the turntable - well higher then before - then the serato pitch is SMALLER, it shows ca 1,4%. That isn't logically?!
Rane, Support
Chad S. 4:17 PM - 5 November, 2008
As Nick has described this is common for turntables to have a slight varience. The best piece of advice I can offer you is to use your ears. Seeing numbers and pitch values causes people to try and mix with their eyes, use your ears, nevermind what the screen says. If it's on in your ears, the mix is on.
DaVibecat 10:31 PM - 5 November, 2008
i cant mixing perfect with my ears. As i said, if i take two normal vinyls i can mix with the turntable without problems. Only with serato its even impossible
DaVibecat 10:37 PM - 5 November, 2008
i mean i can mixing perfect with my ears ;)
DaVibecat 10:37 PM - 5 November, 2008
so i will try it on another turntables and will tell you if i have the same problem